Method of constructing a foldable building

ABSTRACT

The specification and drawings disclose a collapsible building module which in the preferred embodiment comprises a side wall frame assembly and a roof frame assembly which are interconnected along one of their edge portions by pivotal means to permit them to be folded about an axis of interconnection to lie in generally parallel planes. The disclosed structure also includes pivotally mounted interior wall panels, roof panels and/or floor panels carried by one or the other of the wall and roof assemblies. The free end portions of the roof frame assembly and the side wall frame assembly are provided with connecting means whereby they can be connected to a base or associated support structure for pivotal movement about axes parallel to the axis of interconnection between them. The specification further discloses certain preferred methods for erecting buildings by use of the modules.

1 1 Feb. 4, 1975 METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING A FOLDABLE BUILDING [76]Inventor: John II. Hendrich, 5 W. 10th St., Erie, Pa. 16501 22 Filed:Feb. 15,1973

211 App]. No.: 332,677

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No.178,942, Sept. 9,

1971, abandoned.

[52] U.S. Cl 52/747, 52/70, 52/71, 46/21 [51] Int. Cl. E0411 H344, E04bH35 [58] Field of Search 52/64, 66, 69-71, 52/79, 86, 741, 745, 747

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 414,976 11/1889 Harvey 52/791,032,284 7/1912 Holland 52/745 2,461,916 2/1949 Omar 52/71 2,762,0849/1956 Singer 52/64 3,236,020 2/1966 Toffolon 52/745 3,280,796 10/1966Hatcher 52/70 3,296,752 l/l967 Philp 52/70 3,527,008 9/1970 Greenbalgh52/745 X 3,555,749 1/1971 Aitken 52/70 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS1,259,551 l/l968 Germany 52/69 24,356 12/1930 Australia 52/70 554,2506/1943 Great Britain 52/64 938,589 10/1963 Great Britain 52/64 1,118,437ll/l96l Germany i 52/64 68,111 11/1948 Denmark 52/79 845,727 8/1939France 52/86 1,394,991 3/1965 France 52/745 656,655 10/1963 ltaly 52/74782,772 5/1957 Denmark H 52/745 1,085,615 10/1967 Great Britain 52186OTHER PUBLICATIONS Arch Forum, p. 91-94, Gardner Dailey, Feb., 1942.

Primary Examiner-Ernest R. Purser Assistant Examiner-Leslie A. BraunAttorney, Agent, or Firm-Fay & Sharpe [57] ABSTRACT The specificationand drawings disclose a collapsible building module which in thepreferred embodiment comprises a side wall frame assembly and a roofframe assembly which are interconnected along one of their edge portionsby pivotal means to permit them to be folded about an axis ofinterconnection to lie in generally parallel planes. The disclosedstructure also includes pivotally mounted interior wall panels, roofpanels and/or floor panels carried by one or the other of the wall androof assemblies. The free end portions of the roof frame assembly andthe side wall frame assembly are provided with connecting means wherebythey can be connected to a base or associated support structure forpivotal movement about axes parallel to the axis of interconnectionbetween them. The specification further discloses certain preferredmethods for erecting buildings by use of the modules.

11 Claims, 22 Drawing Figures PATENTED "3863, 119

SHEEI 10F 6 PATENTEDFEBMHYS SHEEI E OF 6 METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING AFOLDABLE BUILDING This application is a continuation-in-part of US. Pat.application Ser. No. 178,942, filed Sept. 9, I971, for BUILDING MODULE,now abandoned.

The subject application is directed toward the art of buildingstructures and, more particularly, to an improved collapsible buildingmodule and method of erecting the same.

The invention is particularly suited for use in constructing residentialtype single or multifamily dwellings and will be described withparticular reference thereto; however, as will become apparent, theinvention should not be considered as limited in this regard and couldobviously be used for constructing many types and sizes of buildings fora variety of uses.

There is currently much interest in the general concept of constructingbuildings. particularly residential buildings. from factory-assembledmodules. The savings, both in time and money by factory as opposed toon-site construction, can be substantial. However, factory constructionhas had certain distinct problems.

As can be appreciated, the size and weight of factoryassembled buildingmodules is limited by shipping requirements. For example, the upperacceptable size limitation is somewhere in the neighborhood of l2 feetin width, 40 feet in length, and I feet in height. This has tended tolimit the types and sizes of buildings. Additionally. certain problemshave been encountered in handling and aligning the modules when severalare used to construct a single building.

BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION According to the subject invention, theabovementioned problems are overcome by a building module which includesa roof frame assembly having spaced, generally parallel, first andsecond edge portions. A side frame assembly also including spaced,generally parallel, first and second edge portions is connectedgenerally along its second edge portion with the second edge portion ofthe roof frame assembly. The connection is arranged so that the twoassemblies can pivot relative to one another about an axis generallyparallel to the edge portions to permit them to be folded so that theylie in generally parallel frames. Additionally, second and thirdconnecting means are provided along the first edge portions of the roofframe assembly and the side frame assembly, respectively. Each of theseconnecting means are also arranged so that the assemblies can havepivotal movement relative thereto about axes parallel to the edgeportions. According to the invention, the roof frame assembly and theside frame assembly can be a panel construction or merely formed fromstructural elements such as channels. beams, and the like. Additionally,they can be in a substantially completed condition or the roofing andsiding material can be added in the factory or after the module iserected on the building site.

According to another aspect of the invention. an in ternal wall or floorassembly is pivoted to either the roof frame or the side frame assemblyand arranged so that it can be folded between them and lie generallyparallel to both. As will be discussed at some length in the detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments. these internal partitions canlikewise be in a substantially complete or semi-finished condition.

Modules of the general type described can be folded flat for shippingand handling and quickly erected on site. According to the methodaspects of the invention, the modules are assembled and erected bypivotally connecting the first edge of the side frame assembly to apermanent base. Two of the modules in their folded condition areconnected to a base while the first ends of their roof assemblies insubstantial alignment and pointing toward one another. One of themodules is then lifted and swung over to bring the first end of its roofassembly into engagement with the first end of the roof assembly of theother module. The roof assemblies of the two modules are theninterconnected and both modules then lifted to cause them to pivot intothe final building configuration. Thereafter, adjustable tensioningmeans are connected between the two modules and used to adjust them totheir final desired location. Thereafter, rigid connecting members aresuitably interconnected with the modules to hold them in their finalposition of adjustment.

As can be appreciated, any number of the modules can be positioned inside-by-side relationship to produce buildings of substantial length.Additionally, vari ous pivotally mounted partitions and floor panels canbe built into the modules and swung out at various times during theerection procedure.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, a primary object of the inventionis the provision ofa building module which is extremely versatile andcan be rapidly and easily erected on site.

A further object is the provision of a building module of the generaltype described which can have a variety of different configurationsincluding interior floor panels and partitions in which modules can befolded substantially flat into a compact configuration for shipping,handling and storage.

A still further object is the provision of a module which can be easilyand rapidly erected on site and quickly brought into proper finalalignment through the use of simple adjustable tensioning means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects andadvantages will become apparent from the following description when readin conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. I is a pictorial showing, somewhat diagrammatic, of a buildingframe assembly embodying features of the subject invention;

FIGS. 2-7 are diagrammatic line drawings illustrating the preferredsequence of steps for erecting the frame assembly of FIG. 1',

FIG. 8 is a view of a building module formed according to one embodimentofthe invention (the module of FIG. 8 is shown folded in a flatcondition for shipment or storage);

FIG. 9 is a view of the module of FIG. 8 showing the module partiallyunfolded;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view ofa base element which can be used forattaching the side elements of the modules during erection of abuilding;

FIGS. 11-14 are diagrammatic showings of a sequence of steps which canbe used for erecting buildings according to a second embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 15 is a pictorial view of the building erected according to thesequence of FIGS. Il-I4 which illustrates the manner by which thebuilding can be adjusted to its desired final alignment;

FIG. 16 is an end view showing a modified form of building which can beerected according to the subject invention;

FIG. [7 is a detailed showing of the juncture between the roof panels oftwo interconnected modules of the FIG. I embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a detailed showing of the juncture between the roof frame andthe side frame of the FIG. I embodiment after the building has beenerected;

FIG. l9 shows a group of building modules of the type used in the FIG. 1embodiment folded flat for shipping or storage;

FIG. 20 shows the mounting between the lower end of the side frames andthe base of the FIG. 1 embodiment; and.

FIGS. 2i and 22 are diagrammatic line illustrations showing howadjustment of the FIG. 1 embodiment can be carried out.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring more particularly to thedrawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustratingpreferred embodiments of the invention only. and not for the purpose oflimiting same. FIG. I shows a partiallyf'inished building l which hasbeen erected with a pair of building modules 12 and 14 formed inaccordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention and erected byuse of an inventive method which will subsequently be described in somedetail. As will hereafter become apparent. the details of the modules 12and I4 could vary substantially from the specific structures shown;however, module 12 is shown as comprising a roof frame assembly 16 and aside or wall frame assembly IS. The roof frame assembly l6, as well asthe side frame assembly I8, could be formed from plate-like, panel orstructural frame members or a combination thereof. The degree ofcompletion of the various assemblies can be varied depending uponeconomic factors.

In the subject embodiment, the roof frame assembly 16 is shown asincluding a pair of channel-shaped side frame members 20 and 22.Connected between the side channels 20, 22 is a roof panel 24 defined bya pair of small side frame channels 2.6, 28 and interconnecting roof ordecking panels 30. The roof panel member 24 is connected to the sidechannels 20. 22 by pivot connections 32 which are arranged to permit theroof 24 to pivot, as shown by the arrow. relative to the size channels20, 22 about a generally horizontal axis 34.

Carried from the outer end of the roof panel 24 is a wall panel or framemember 36 which could have many constructions but is shown as comprisinga plurality of studs 38 extending between spaced upper and lower framemembers 40, 42, respectively. The well panel or frame 36 is pivotallyconnected to the outer or righthand end (as viewed in FIG. I) of theroofpanel assem bly 24. As can be seen. suitable pivot connections areprovided to allow the well frame assembly 36 to swing or pivot about anaxis 44 which is parallel to the previously mentioned axis 34. As can beappreciated. the panel or frame 36 can be pivoted in the direction shownby the arrow to assume a folded position between the roof frame members20 and 22 parallel to the roof panel 24. Additionally, the entire roofframe 24 together with the side frame 36 can be pivoted about axis 34 tolie within the main roof frame channels 20. 22. The side frame 18 of thesubject embodiment comprises a pair of spaced, generally parallel.channel members 46 and 48 which are rigidly joined at their lower endsby a structural member 50. As will subsequently become apparent. theside frame assembly 18 could be of panel construction and/or includeseveral more structural members if desired. The upper ends of thechannel members 46 and 48 are pivotally connected adjacent the outerends of the roof frame channels 20, 22 by suitable pivot or hingeconnections 52. As best shown in FIG. I8. the hinge assembly 52 includesplates 54 and 56 which are welded to the channel members 46 and 20,respectively. A suitable bolt or pivot pin 58 extends between the twoplates to pivotally interconnect the roof frame assembly and the sideframe assembly. Additionally. for reasons which will subsequently becomeapparent. the upper end of the side frame channel members 46 and 48 arecut at an angle as identified by the reference numeral 60 in FIG. 18.

The module 12 of this embodiment further includes an interior floorpanel or frame assembly 62. Floor panel assembly 62 is arranged so thatit can be folded generally between the roof frame 24 and the side frameassembly I8 so that the entire module I2 can be folded into a flat,compact unit for shipping or storage. As will become apparent. a floorpanel such as panel 62. if used in the module, could be connected toeither the roof frame assembly 24 or the side frame assembly 18.Alternatively, it could be pivoted to the module at the juncture betweenthe side frame and the roof frame.

In the subject embodiment, the floor frame assembly 62 comprises a pairof side channels 64. 66 connected at their opposite ends by suitablecross beams 68 and 70. Additionally. floor panels and suitable supportmembers 72 extend between the side members 64, 66. The entire floorframe assembly 62 is pivotally connected adjacent its right-hand end (asviewed in FIG. I) to the right-hand end of the roof frame assembly 16.The connections between the floor frame assembly 62 and the roof frameassembly 16 are best illustrated in FIG. 18. As shown. a plate member 74is rigidly connected to the side channel 64 in the manner shown. Asimilar downwardly extending plate 76 is connected to the roof framechannel 20. A bolt or pivot pin 78 interconnects the two plates 74, 76so as to permit pivotal movement between the floor frame 62 and the roofframe l6. A similar hinge assembly connects between the floor framemember 66 and the roof frame assembly channel member 22. In this way,the floor frame 62 can pivot relative to the roof frame assembly aboutan axis parallel to axes 34 and 44. Additionally. this arrangementpermits the floor frame 62 to be folded into a position generallyparallel to the roof frame 16 and the side frame 18. FIG. I9 illustratesa pair of modules 12 in their folded position such as they would beduring shipping or storage.

As will subsequently be discussed in detail. both of the modules 12 and14 could he of identical construction; however, in the subjectembodiment. module 14 differs substantially from module 12.Specifically, module 14 comprises a roof panel or frame assembly 80 anda side frame assembly 82. The roof frame assembly 80 includes a pair ofchannel members 84 and 86 interconnected by roof panel members 88. Thepanels 88 can be of any desired type having the required structuralstrength. Preferably. they are positively interconnected between theside channels 84, 86. Although not shown, the final exterior roofingmaterial can be applied directly to the panels 88.

The side frame 82 in this embodiment is shown as comprising a pair ofgenerally vertically extending channel members 90, 92 that areinterconnected by horizontally extending structural members 94, 96. Theside frame assembly 82 is pivotally connected to the roof frame assembly80 by hinge-type connections 98. This arrangement permits the side frameassemblies 82 to be pivoted or folded relative to the side channels 84,86, as shown by the arrow, so as to lie generally parallel thereto. Amodule I4 in its collapsed or folded condition is illustrated in FIG.19.

In the embodiment under consideration, the module I4 also includes aninterior partition frame assembly I00. The partition frame 100 is shownas comprising a plurality of vertically extending studs I02 which can bemetal, wood, or even panels if desired. The studs I02 extend betweenupper and lower members I04 and 106, respectively. The partitionassembly 100 is pivotally connected to the roof frame assembly 80 bypivot pins or bolts 108. This permits the partition I00 to be rotated toa folded location generally within the same plane as the side channels84, 86. Note that, as viewed in FIG. I, the partition wall can berotated clockwise, as shown by the arrow, to a location within orbetween the two side frames 84, 86.

Two relatively important aspects of the modules 12 and I4 which have notpreviously been discussed are the connecting means provided at the lowerends of the side frame assemblies and the upper or outer ends of theroof frame assemblies. It is these connecting means which allow themodules to be erected by the inventive method. In general, theconnecting means at these locations are arranged to permit pivotalmovement of the sides about an axis parallel to the previously mentionedaxes 34, 44 and 54. Although many different types of connection meanscould be provided, in the subject embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 20,the lower ends of the side frame members 46, 48, 90 and 92 are providedwith a reinforcing plate 110 having a pivot pin receiving opening formedtherethrough.

The connecting means at the ends of the roof frame assemblies 16 and 80merely comprise plates H2 and 114 positively connected to the ends ofthe associated respective channel members 84, 86, 20, 22, and providedwith bolt or pivot pin receiving openings which can be brought intoalignment.

FIGS. 2-7 illustrate, in diagrammatic form, the preferred sequence ofsteps used for erecting the building of FIG. 1 from the modules I2 andI4.

As shown in FIG. 2, the modules 12 and I4 are positioned in spaced-apartrelationship to lie generally horizontally. The module I2 has the freeend of the side frame assembly 18 (the lower ends of members 46 and 48as viewed in FIG. I) pivotally connected to a rigid base member 120.

In the subject embodiment. the rigid base member I20 comprisesspaced-apart plates I22 extending upwardly from a concrete foundation12; however, any suitable type of base could be used. The openings inthe lower ends of the members 46 and 48 are aligned with the openings inthe upwardly extending plates I22, and suitable pivot pins or boltsplaced therethrough. Similarly, the module 14 has the lower ends of itsside frame pivotally connected to similar foundation or base members forrotation about an axis parallel to the previously-mentioned axes 34 and44. The distance D between the bases of each module represent the widthof the building. With the modules I2 and 14 in the position indicated,the module 14 is lifted through the use of a crane or the like to bringthe free end of its roof assembly over into engagement with the free endof roof assembly 16 of module I2. The dotted line showing of FIG. 3illustrates module I4 as it is being swung to the solid line positionwherein the openings in plates 114 are aligned with the openings inplates ll2. At this time. suitable bolts or pivot pins can be passedthrough the openings to pivotally interconnect the free ends of the tworoof assemblies. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4, the two modules arelifted vertically causing the side frame assemblies 82 and I8 to pivotin a counterclockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 4). During thelifting movement of FIG. 4, the floor panel member 62 of module 12 willswing counterclockwise from its original position in the roof assembly.Suitable cables or the like can be connected between the roof assemblyI6 and the floor panel assembly 62 to limit the relative movement duringthis portion of the erection procedure. The lifting continues throughthe position illustrated in FIG. 5 until reaching a final position asshown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 illustrates the final aligned position of theroof panel assemblies and the side panel assemblies. The assembliesmust, generally, be brought into precise alignment through the use ofthe adjustable tensioning means.

Referring again to FIG. I, it will be noted that horizontal tensioningmembers I30 are connected between the free end of the floor assembly 62and the vertical channel members 90, 92 ofside assembly 82.Additionally, adjustable tension members 132 extend vertically betweenthe floor assembly 62 and the channels 20, 22. The adjustable tensioningmeans and I32 could be of many types such as, for example, cables andturnbuckles, adjustable straps, or the like. With the adjustabletensioning means 130 and 132 in position, final adjustment of thebuilding alignment can take place. FIGS. 21 and 22 show how variousadjustments can be made by tightening the adjustable tension members. Asshown in FIG. 21, the horizontal tension member 130 can be adjusted tocontrol or regulate the parallelism of the side walls. Note that bytightening the tension member I30, the side wall assemblies I8 and 82can be pulled toward one another. Similarly, by loosening the tensionmember I30, they can be moved outwardly away from one another at theirupper ends. Similarly, the tension member 132 can be adjusted to controlthe interior floor panel 62. By proper adjustment of the tensionmembers, the building can be brought into exact final orientation. FIG.22 shows a slightly moditied form of tensioning or adjusting in whichthe building is shown as having two interior floor panels 62 and 63carried by the modules I2 and 14, respectively. In this embodiment, thehorizontal tension member I3] is connected between the ends of the floorpanels to perform exactly the same functions as the previously discussedtension member I30 of FIG. 21. In this configuration, however, twovertical tension members 132 and I32a are provided for adjusting theposition of the floor panels 62, 63, respectively. It should beappreciated that the two members can extend between different parts ofthe modules and perform generally the same functions. For example. thehorizontal tension member could extend between the roof assemblies ofthe modules or between the roof assembly of one module and the side wallassembly of the other module. Alternatively. it would be possible forthe vertical tension members to extend between the floor panel of onemodule and the roof assembly of the other module. Irrespective of themanner in which the members are connected. it should be understood thatwhen the alignment is completed, knee braces or the like 134 arepositively connected between the side frame members 90, 92 and the lowerends of channels 84, 86. Additionally, the side members 64, 66 of thefloor assembly can be bolted or otherwise positively connected to theside frame members 46, 48. Upon completion of these connections. thebuilding is rigid and self-supporting.

Either before or after the above sequence of operations, the roof panelassembly 24 of module I2 can be moved to its final position as well asthe interior partition I00. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the final erectionof these two assemblies. As shown in FIG. 6. the roof panel assembly 24is pivoted outwardly about axis 34 in a counterclockwise direction.Simultaneously therewith, the wall frame assembly 36 is pivoted in acounterclockwise direction abut axis 44 to the final position shown inFIG. 7. After being moved into its final position. the lower edge of thewall 36 can be positively connected to the floor assembly 62. Similarly.the connections between the wall 36 and the roof panel 24 as well as theconnections between the roof panel 24 and the channels 20, 22 can bemade rigid if desired.

The interior partition panel member 100 is pivoted counterclockwise fromits folded position adjacent the roof frame assembly of module 14 toextend vertically downward and in engagement with the floor panel 62.FIG. 7 shows the interior partition I in its final loca- IIOI'I.

FIGS. 8-16 illustrate modified forms ofthe invention in terms of theconstruction of the modules and method by which they can be erected.Specifically. FIGS. 8 and 8 illustrate in diagrammatic form a module 150which comprises a roof frame or panel assembly 152 and a side frame orpanel assembly I54 which are pivotally interconnected through pinconnection I56. An interior floor or partition panel I58 is connected tothe side panel I54 by a pivot connection 160. As shown in FIG. 9, thepanels can be unfolded by pivoting them relative to one another fromtheir flat storage or shipping arrangement of FIG. 8.

FIG. II illustrates how two of the modules 150 can be interconnectedwhile in their folded condition for erection. In general. a suitablebase prepared on the building site must be provided. FIG. I0 illustratesa suitable base member I62 which includes two pairs of upwardlyextending plates I64 having a pivot opening I66. A suitable number ofthese members 162 could be placed in alignment and the lower end or freeend portion of the wall panel I54 of one of the modules 150 pinnedthereto. The other module 150 would then be positioned as shown in FIG.1] and terminal or free end of its roof panel I54 connected to theterminal or free end of the other roof panel by a suitable pivotconnection 168 such as. for example. of the type described withreference to the FIG. I embodiment. Thereafter.

a crane or other lifting mechanism can be attached at I68 to lift themodules from the position shown in FIG. II to the position shown in FIG.I2. In this position. the side panel 154 of the right-hand module I50can be pivoted downwardly and its lower end 1541: attached to theright-hand base member with a suitable pivot connection. The moduleswill then have the general arrangement shown in FIG. 13. The crane orother lifting mechanism will hold the peak in the elevated positionwhile the internal floor panels I58 are swung upwardly to a generallyhorizontal position. As shown in FIG. 14. tension members can beconnected between the peak and the ends of the floor members I58 and theends of the floor members joined directly or by a strut member 172. Byadjustment of the strut member I72 and the tension members 170, thebuilding can be brought into alignment. Thereafter. knee braces or thelike 174 can be welded or otherwise positively joined to the roof panelsand the associated side panels to add structural strength to thebuilding.

FIG. 15 illustrates how a series of separate modules can be joinedend-to-end to provide a building of substantial length. Note that inthis embodiment. three of the modules I50 are positioned in side-by-siderelationship down each half of the building. As shown. a floor memberI76 can be installed between the side panels 154.

The invention has been described in great detail sufficient to enableone of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the same. Obviously,modifications and alterations of the preferred embodiment will occur toothers upon a reading and understanding of the specification and it isour intention to include all such modifications and alterations as partof our invention insofar as they come within the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:

I. A method of constructing a building comprising the steps of:

a. providing a first module including a side member having first andsecond end portions and a roof member having first and second endportions with the second end portion of the roof member being connectedto the second end portion of the side member for pivotal movement abouta first axis in a manner which permits them to be folded into aconfiguration wherein they are in side-by-side generally parallelrelationship;

b. providing a first base;

c. providing a second base spaced from said first base;

d. positioning said first module in its folded configuration to liegenerally horizontally with said side member subjacent said roof memberand the first end portion of the roof member extending toward the secondbase;

e. pivotally connecting the first end portion of the side member to saidfirst base for pivotal move ment about a stationary. non-translatorysecond axis parallel to said first axis;

f. lifting said first module to pivot it relative to said second axis toproduce arcuate translatory movement of said first axis and cause saidside member to assume a generally vertical position with said roofmember extending at an angle therefrom;

g. and. providing a support member and connecting said support memberbetween the first end portion of said roof member and said second baseto maintain said side member in the generally vertical position.

2. The method as defined in claim 1 including the additional step ofconnecting an adjustable tie member between said side member and saidsupport member.

3. The method as defined in claim 1 including the step of rigidlyinterconnecting said side member and said roof member after said sidemember has been lifted to a generally vertical position.

4. A method of constructing a building comprising the steps of:

a. providing a first module including a side member having first andsecond end portions and a roof member having a first and second endportions with the second end portion of the roof member being connectedto the second end portion of the side member for pivotal movement abouta first axis in a manner which permits them to be folded into aconfiguration wherein they are generally parallel;

b. positioning said first module in its folded configuration to liegenerally horizontally with said side member subjacent said roof member;

c. providing a first base and pivotally connecting the first end portionof the side member to said base for pivotal movement about a stationary,nontranslatory second axis parallel to said first axis;

d. lifting said first module to pivot it relative to said second axis toprovide arcuate translatory movement of said first axis and cause saidside member to assume a generally vertical position with said roofmember extending at an angle therefrom;

e. providing a second module including a side member having first andsecond end portions, and a roof member having first and second endportions with the second end portion of the roof member being connectedto the second end portion of the side member for pivotal movement abouta first axis in a manner which permits the members to be folded into aconfiguration wherein they are generally parallel;

f. positioning said second module in its folded configuration to liegenerally horizontally with its side member subjacent its roof memberand its first axis parallel to the first axis of said first module andthe first end of its roof member pointing toward the first end of theroof member of the first module;

g. providing a second base and connecting the first end portion of theside member of the second module to the second base for pivotal movementabout a stationary, non-translatory axis parallel to the second axis ofthe first module; and. thereafter.

h. lifting said second module to pivot it relative to said second baseto cause its side member to assume a generally vertical portion with itsroof member extending at an angle therefrom.

5. The method as defined in claim 4 including the step of connecting thefirst end of the roof member of the first module with the first end ofthe roof member of the second module.

6. The method as defined in claim 5 including the step of:

pivotally connecting the first end of the roof member of the firstmodule to the first end of the roof member of the second module.

7. The method as defined in claim 4 including the additional step ofconnecting an adjustable tension member between the first and secondmodules and, thereafter. adjusting said tension member to cause saidmodules to assume a desired position relative to one another.

8. The method as defined in claim 5 wherein said first end of the roofmember of the first module is connected to the first end of the roofmember of the second module prior to lifting said second module.

9. The method as defined in claim 5 wherein said first module is liftedto bring the first end of its roof member into engagement with the firstend of the roof member of the second module prior to lifting said secondmodule.

10. The method as defined in claim 5 including the step of providing arigid connection between the roof members and the associated sidemembers of each module subsequent to lifting.

H. The method as defined in claim 10 including the step of providing ahorizontal tension member between the modules and adjusting the tensionmember to cause the interconnected modules to assume a desired position.

l t l l

1. A method of constructing a building comprising the steps of: a.providing a first module including a side member having first and secondend portions and a roof member having first and second end portions withthe second end portion of the roof member being connected to the secondend portion of the side member for pivotal movement about a first axisin a manner which permits them to be folded into a confiGuration whereinthey are in side-by-side generally parallel relationship; b. providing afirst base; c. providing a second base spaced from said first base; d.positioning said first module in its folded configuration to liegenerally horizontally with said side member subjacent said roof memberand the first end portion of the roof member extending toward the secondbase; e. pivotally connecting the first end portion of the side memberto said first base for pivotal movement about a stationary,non-translatory second axis parallel to said first axis; f. lifting saidfirst module to pivot it relative to said second axis to produce arcuatetranslatory movement of said first axis and cause said side member toassume a generally vertical position with said roof member extending atan angle therefrom; g. and, providing a support member and connectingsaid support member between the first end portion of said roof memberand said second base to maintain said side member in the generallyvertical position.
 2. The method as defined in claim 1 including theadditional step of connecting an adjustable tie member between said sidemember and said support member.
 3. The method as defined in claim 1including the step of rigidly interconnecting said side member and saidroof member after said side member has been lifted to a generallyvertical position.
 4. A method of constructing a building comprising thesteps of: a. providing a first module including a side member havingfirst and second end portions and a roof member having a first andsecond end portions with the second end portion of the roof member beingconnected to the second end portion of the side member for pivotalmovement about a first axis in a manner which permits them to be foldedinto a configuration wherein they are generally parallel; b. positioningsaid first module in its folded configuration to lie generallyhorizontally with said side member subjacent said roof member; c.providing a first base and pivotally connecting the first end portion ofthe side member to said base for pivotal movement about a stationary,non-translatory second axis parallel to said first axis; d. lifting saidfirst module to pivot it relative to said second axis to provide arcuatetranslatory movement of said first axis and cause said side member toassume a generally vertical position with said roof member extending atan angle therefrom; e. providing a second module including a side memberhaving first and second end portions, and a roof member having first andsecond end portions with the second end portion of the roof member beingconnected to the second end portion of the side member for pivotalmovement about a first axis in a manner which permits the members to befolded into a configuration wherein they are generally parallel; f.positioning said second module in its folded configuration to liegenerally horizontally with its side member subjacent its roof memberand its first axis parallel to the first axis of said first module andthe first end of its roof member pointing toward the first end of theroof member of the first module; g. providing a second base andconnecting the first end portion of the side member of the second moduleto the second base for pivotal movement about a stationary,non-translatory axis parallel to the second axis of the first module;and, thereafter, h. lifting said second module to pivot it relative tosaid second base to cause its side member to assume a generally verticalportion with its roof member extending at an angle therefrom.
 5. Themethod as defined in claim 4 including the step of connecting the firstend of the roof member of the first module with the first end of theroof member of the second module.
 6. The method as defined in claim 5including the step of: pivotally connecting the first end of the roofmember of the first module to the first end of the roof member of thesecond module.
 7. The method aS defined in claim 4 including theadditional step of connecting an adjustable tension member between thefirst and second modules and, thereafter, adjusting said tension memberto cause said modules to assume a desired position relative to oneanother.
 8. The method as defined in claim 5 wherein said first end ofthe roof member of the first module is connected to the first end of theroof member of the second module prior to lifting said second module. 9.The method as defined in claim 5 wherein said first module is lifted tobring the first end of its roof member into engagement with the firstend of the roof member of the second module prior to lifting said secondmodule.
 10. The method as defined in claim 5 including the step ofproviding a rigid connection between the roof members and the associatedside members of each module subsequent to lifting.
 11. The method asdefined in claim 10 including the step of providing a horizontal tensionmember between the modules and adjusting the tension member to cause theinterconnected modules to assume a desired position.